Understand where you stand. 27 nights of Taraweeh summaries.

The Message & the Messengers: 5th Night of Taraweeh 2015

Tonight’s taraweeh consists of the whole of the 6th juz and the first quarter of the 7th juz .

The Sûrahs covered are the last quarter of Ch.4 An Nisâ’ (the Women) and all of Ch.5 Al-Mâ’ida (the Tablespread).

The last portion of Sûrah An Nisâ’ deals with the consequences of attitudes, both good and bad, of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) with regards to the Message and the Messengers.

Sûrah Al-Mâ’ida continues addressing the People of the Book after the rules of Islam relating to food, cleanliness and justice are recapitulated. Ayah 3 contains the memorable declaration: “This day have I perfected for you your religion.”

Rules relating to food are next laid down: “dead meat, blood and pork” are forbidden. Any animal slaughtered in the name of a being other than Allah (SWT) is also forbidden to be eaten. “All things good and pure” are lawful. Laws are also laid down regarding our relations with the People of the Book. Cleanliness of body (the verse of ablution wudu), justice and unbiased dealings are emphasised showing that these acts are nearest to Piety. “Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just.”

The Qur’ân now discusses the Jews and Christians who broke or forgot their Covenant with Allah (SWT). As a result of this, Allah caused them to remain without His favours. The Children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years for refusing to enter the Holy Land.

The story of Adam’s 2 sons, where one brother kills another, is described. Allah decreed upon the Children of Israel ” Whoever kills a soul (unjustly)..it is as if he has killed all of mankind, and whoever saves one it is as if he saved all of mankind.” Allah sent down the Torah to Moses (A.S.) “in which was guidance and light”. He sent down the Gospel to Jesus son of Mary (A.S.) confirming the Torah. Then came the Quran to Muhammad (s.a.w) confirming the previous scriptures. So judge by what Allah has revealed and do not judge according to your desires. Do not take those who mock and ridicule Scripture as your allies.

Muslims must enjoy all that is good and lawful, and be thankful to Allah (SWT) for His favours. Swearing, drinking, gambling, killing of game in the sacred territory (Haram Sharîf), superstitions of all kinds and giving false evidence are condemned. The miracles of ‘Isâ (A.S) are recounted, and how they were misused by the Christians. The story of the disciple’s request for a table spread Mâ’ida from heaven is related. The fate of those who raised Jesus (AS)’s status to that of a god or a son of God is briefly described.”To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is within them. And He has power of everything.” May we reflect on these messages during tonight’s Taraweeh.